LSU 58, Georgia 67 - Recap

LSU (9-6,0-4) continues their losing streak versus Georgia (7-10,1-3) losing 67-58 to become the only remaining winless SEC team. The Tigers continued to fight throughout the game, but were unable to come up with a victory, once again, due to their inability to protect the ball. The Tigers had only 6 assists (season low) and 21 turnovers. The Tigers had to play without senior starter Charles Carmouche who was suffering from knee tendinitis, an injury that has plagued him his entire career.

On a positive note, Johnny O'Bryant played his most physical game of the season and grabbed a career high 14 rebounds. He was able to score in the post, even when triple teamed and ended the contest with his fourth double double of the season after scoring 16. His 16 points came on 5 of 8 shooting from the field and 6 of 8 from the line. He also had two of LSU's 6 assists.

He did have his problems though. He had 5 turnovers, most on traveling violations, which plagued LSU all night. Everyone who played, besides Jalen Courtney (6 minutes) recorded at least 1 turnover and six different players had at least two. The 21 team turnovers gives LSU an average of 21.5 in the last two games after averaging only 10 per game in their first two SEC contests.

Malik Morgan had his best game in the purple and gold recording 11 points on 3 of 5 shooting, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and only 1 turnover in 30 minutes of action. He was able to hit a three pointer and was very successful around the hoop. On one occasion he made a backdoor cut and was hit perfectly in stride by Johnny O'Bryant and finished with a very pretty reverse layup.



Near the end of the game, Corban Collins dove head first for the ball and was carried off the court by players after hitting his nose on an opponents knee. His status is unknown, but it looks like he at least broke his nose. Collins ended the game with another negative SoS rating, after having 4 turnovers and 3 points.

Anthony Hickey had 5 steals which vaulted him back into the NCAA lead averaging 3.54 steals per game. Second place Briante Weber of VCU is averaging 3.37 per game. Hickey also added 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. Late in the second half, Hickey hit two straight three pointers to put LSU back in the game. He played 37 minutes and continues to be LSU's most consistent player. He has scored double figures in his last 7 contests.

LSU has played in 3 winnable games and has yet to come up with a victory. There are still some possible wins out there, but LSU MUST put together a complete game. LSU must rebound, shoot well, and take care of the ball in order to win. In this game, they won rebounding by 9, shot 36%, and had 21 turnovers. While winning rebounding was very good, the 21 turnovers really hurt the Tigers. LSU was able to make 67% of their 24 free throws, but struggled to finish inside the three point line. They shot nearly the same percentage from three point range as two point range.